Which feeding schedule is most appropriate for a critically ill patient with labile and poorly controlled blood glucose concentrations?

Which feeding schedule is most appropriate for a critically ill patient with labile and poorly controlled blood glucose concentrations?

• A. Bolus
• B. Gravity drip
• C. No nocturnal infusion
• D. Continuous Infusion

Answer: (D)

Continuous infusion provides a steady, ongoing delivery of calories and nutrients, which helps keep blood glucose more stable in a critically ill patient with labile values. When nutrition is given as a continuous flow, there are fewer large post-feed glucose spikes and insulin requirements become easier to titrate, reducing glycemic variability that is common in critical illness. A feeding schedule that delivers nutrients rapidly at intervals (bolus) or with uneven rates (gravity drip) tends to cause abrupt changes in glucose and insulin needs, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and making tight control harder. Not providing nutrition overnight creates fasting periods that can worsen energy deficits and create additional fluctuations in glucose management. In this context, a 24-hour continuous infusion best supports stable glycemic control and overall metabolic stability.

Continuous infusion provides a steady, ongoing delivery of calories and nutrients, which helps keep blood glucose more stable in a critically ill patient with labile values. When nutrition is given as a continuous flow, there are fewer large post-feed glucose spikes and insulin requirements become easier to titrate, reducing glycemic variability that is common in critical illness. A feeding schedule that delivers nutrients rapidly at intervals (bolus) or with uneven rates (gravity drip) tends to cause abrupt changes in glucose and insulin needs, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and making tight control harder. Not providing nutrition overnight creates fasting periods that can worsen energy deficits and create additional fluctuations in glucose management. In this context, a 24-hour continuous infusion best supports stable glycemic control and overall metabolic stability.